Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor if:

You go through a period of unusual stress to your body, such as surgery, injury, or infection

You have an asthma attack that does not improve after you take a bronchodilator medicine.

You are exposed to viral infections, such as chickenpox or measles.

Signs of infection occur, especially in your mouth, throat, or lung

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card stating that you are using this medicine and that you may need additional medicine during times of emergency, a severe asthma attack or other illness, or unusual stress.

Before you have any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine.

For patients who are also regularly taking a corticosteroid by mouth in tablet or liquid form:

Do not stop taking the corticosteroid taken by mouth without your doctor's advice, even if your asthma seems better. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely to lessen the chance of unwanted effects.

When your doctor tells you to reduce the dose, or to stop taking the corticosteroid taken by mouth, follow the directions carefully. Your body may need time to adjust to the change. The length of time this takes may depend on the amount of medicine you were taking and how long you took it. It is especially important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits during this time. Ask your doctor if there are special directions you should follow if you have a severe asthma attack, if you need any other medical or surgical treatment, or if certain side effects occur. Be certain that you understand these directions, and follow them carefully.